ABSTRACT

Although the secrets of its history and genesis remain unresolved, citrus fruit (genus Citrus, family Rutaceae) is a popular fruit crop due to its widespread cultivation and strong demand. Oranges, which have a unique perfume and exquisite flavour, have long been recognised as a valuable item that should be included in our daily diet, as they provide energy and minerals and promote health. Citrus fruits are mostly carbohydrates, such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose, with very little protein and very little fat content. Dietary fibre, which has been linked to reducing circulating cholesterol and preventing gastrointestinal disorders, is abundant in fresh orange fruits. The fruits include B vitamins, as well as phytochemicals, including carotenoids, flavonoids, and limonoids, in addition to vitamin C, which is the most abundant nutrient. Because of their antioxidant capabilities and propensity to convert to vitamin A, these biological elements are extremely important in improving human health. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the many functional chemicals found in orange fruits, as well as their health advantages. Furthermore, the extraction processes usually used for bioactive chemicals are put under a lot of strain. Finally, in light of future potential, the impact of processing on bioactive molecules is briefly discussed.